Preparation and characterization of blends of high density polyethylene and poly(ethylene-co-1-octene) elastomer

Mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of blends of high density polyethylene and poly(ethylene-co-1-octene) (PEO) were evaluated. The blen ds were prepared in a single screw extruder at 230 degreesC and 50 rpm with volume fraction of elastomer varying in the range from 0.05 to 0.8. Factor s such as chemical similarity and melt viscosity favor the interdiffusion p rocess of phases, resulting in better interfacial adhesion. A synergistic e ffect on the strength at break and elongation at break for a particular ran ge of blend composition was observed. Blends with a volume fraction of PEO higher than 5% presented a super tough behavior at room temperature. Therma l analysis showed that there is a certain degree of interaction between hig h density polyethylene and PEG. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.